The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its strict policy against the presence of armed private security personnel on foreign container vessels entering the country’s waters, warning that they would be treated as a direct threat to national sovereignty.

Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, stated this when he paid a visit The Guardian headquarters in Lagos. He dispelled claims raised by maritime stakeholders on the presence of foreign armed security personnel on container vessels entering Nigerian ports.

Industry stakeholders raised alarms over foreign merchant ships navigating Nigerian waters, increasingly carrying armed personnel, including former military operatives from post-Iraq conflict zones, to safeguard their vessels against piracy and other security threats.

They insisted that the maritime escort business is ongoing, with private security companies providing escort services, which have contributed significantly to securing assets inbound and outbound, albeit at a high cost.

But the Naval Director emphasised the Navy’s adherence to the globally recognised Best Maritime Practices (BMP), which guide countries on maritime security protocols.

He said armed men on board container ships in Nigeria’s waters will not be tolerated and will be treated as an aggression on the country’s sovereignty.

Folorunsho underscored the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and national sovereignty, warning that the Navy will arrest any armed person, as the country does not allow it.

He explained that, unlike land borders, seas are inherently open, allowing free movement for trade.

“You can’t border the sea and say certain waters are off-limits. Trade criss-crosses international waters, so BMP sets the rules for nations to follow. If you come into Nigerian waters armed, we will arrest you. Nigeria does not allow this. We will treat it as aggression against the Nigerian state,” he said.

Folorunsho, however, contrasted Nigeria’s stance with that of other countries, such as Kenya, which permits armed security personnel in its waters.

Folorunsho highlighted an incident years ago when the Navy intercepted a vessel with men carrying firearms.

He said the Navy removed the personnel from the ship, seized their weapons and the matter escalated to the relevant embassy in the country.

He reiterated Nigeria’s position, warning that armed men on board ships in its waters will not be tolerated.

Speaking on technology and operational capacity, Folorunsho said the Navy has invested in advanced systems such as the Falcon Eye Project and Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAG), enabling efficient night patrols, drone surveillance and enhanced response capacity.

Folorunsho emphasised that these capabilities support maritime operators, potentially reducing war risk insurance premiums in the long term

“The Navy is for Nigerians. Our constitutional mandate is to defend territorial integrity at sea, provide military assistance to civil authorities and ensure safe waterways for commerce and the public,” he said.

Folorunsho reiterated that despite challenges, the Navy remains committed to operational transparency, public engagement and regional maritime security.